Cabinet Care, Cleaning & Warranty Guide

Care instructions and warranty Guide for Gudino Custom Cabinets

Cabinet Care & Maintenance

Our cabinets are built with quality materials and craftsmanship. Proper care and a stable home environment are essential to maintaining their appearance and performance over time. Please review the following guidelines to help protect your cabinetry.

Areas Requiring Special Attention

  • Sink Areas Cabinets near sinks are frequently exposed to water. Farm and apron sink cabinets are especially susceptible. Wipe up water immediately and keep surfaces dry to prevent damage.
  • Self-Cleaning Ovens The extreme heat produced during self-cleaning cycles may damage surrounding cabinetry. To reduce risk, remove cabinet doors and drawers adjacent to the oven before using this feature
  • Countertop Appliances Appliances such as coffee makers, instant pots, and crockpots release heat and steam. Avoid placing them where steam vents directly toward cabinet surfaces, as this may cause permanent damage.
  • Trash Pull-Outs Trash cabinets experience frequent use. Clean these areas regularly and inspect for chips or scratches to the cabinet finish.
  • Dishwashers Dishwashers generate heat and steam during operation. After use, dry nearby cabinet surfaces to help prevent moisture-related damage.
  • Cooktops Cabinetry around cooktops may be exposed to heat, humidity, and cooking splatter. Clean and dry surrounding areas promptly to prevent staining or deterioration.

IMPORTANT: These areas require regular attention to remain clean and dry and to avoid damage.

Cabinet Care & Maintenance Guidelines

  • Routine Care Clean spills and splatters promptly and dry thoroughly. Do not place damp cloths or towels on cabinet surfaces. Remove excess moisture from cabinet areas exposed to higher humidity. Avoid impacts that may chip or scratch cabinet finishes. Regularly monitor the areas listed above.
  • Periodic Cleaning Maintain a consistent indoor temperature and humidity level. Clean cabinet exteriors several times per year. Clean small sections at a time for best results. Remove oils and residue that may build up around knobs and pulls.

IMPORTANT: Improper cleaning, care, or maintenance may result in permanent damage to cabinetry.

Maintaining a Proper Home Environment

  • Humidity & Moisture Excess moisture can cause cabinetry to swell, crack, or warp. Ensure kitchens and bathrooms are properly ventilated. Maintain indoor relative humidity between 35% and 50%.
  • sunlight Natural sunlight and UV exposure can affect cabinet color over time. Wood and painted finishes may fade, darken, or discolor. Mellowing refers to the natural color change that occurs in wood when exposed to light.
  • Temperature Maintain indoor temperatures between 60º and 80º Fahrenheit. Significant temperature fluctuations may cause cabinet materials to expand or contract. Heat from self-cleaning ovens may also affect nearby cabinetry.

IMPORTANT: Exposure to extreme humidity, moisture, temperature, or sunlight may cause permanent damage.

Cleaning Your Cabinets

Proper cleaning helps maintain the appearance and finish of your cabinetry. Follow the guidelines below to ensure safe and effective cleaning.

  • Routine Cleaning Wipe spills immediately using a clean, soft cloth dampened with warm water. After cleaning, dry the surface right away using a second clean, soft cloth. For regular cleaning, simply wipe cabinet surfaces with a microfiber cloth dampened with warm water. Always follow by drying with a clean, soft cloth.
  • Removing Grease and Tougher Spills To remove oil, grease, food residue, or more stubborn spills, use a clean, soft cloth dampened with a mild dishwashing liquid and warm water solution. We recommend mixing four to five drops of Dawn® dish soap per one gallon of water. After cleaning, immediately dry the surface with a second clean, soft cloth.

Always wipe in the direction of the wood grain

Products to Avoid

Using the wrong cleaning products can permanently damage your cabinet finish.

  • Harsh Cleaners Avoid cleaners that contain bleach, ammonia, citrus ingredients, mineral oil, harsh detergents, strong soaps, or abrasive agents. Examples of cleaners to avoid include: 409®, Simple Green®, glass cleaners, and Clorox®.
  • Waxes & Polishers Cleaners containing waxes can cause buildup over time, leading to a yellowed appearance. Many self-polishing products, especially those containing silicone, can damage cabinet finishes. Polishes may also attract and hold dust. Examples to avoid include: Johnson Paste Wax®, Liquid Gold®, Pledge®, and Old English®.
  • Abrasives Abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, and abrasive liquids or powders can scratch and dull cabinet finishes. Avoid products such as: Ajax®, Soft Scrub®, Comet®, baking soda, Scotch-Brite® pads, steel wool, and Magic Erasers®.
  • Sponges & Dishcloths Do not use everyday kitchen sponges or dishcloths. These may contain food particles, oils, or residues from other cleaners and may scratch the cabinet surface.

Specialty Cleaning Areas

  • Glass Doors Spray an ammonia-free glass cleaner onto a lint-free cloth, then wipe the glass. Do not spray cleaner directly onto the glass or cabinet surface, as overspray or drips may damage surrounding finishes.
  • Maple Chopping Block Occasionally reseal with a food-grade mineral or vegetable oil to help preserve the surface. Apply oil only to frequently used areas. With years of heavy use, refinishing may be required. Lightly sand the surface and reseal using mineral oil, vegetable oil, or a clear urethane gel protective finish such as Good Stuff®. Always follow safe food-handling guidelines.
  • Bread Board Clean thoroughly after each use with a clean, soft cloth dampened with mild dishwashing liquid and warm water. Do not soak the breadboard in water or place it in the dishwasher. Always follow safe food-handling guidelines.

Warranty Information

  • Who Does This Warranty Apply To? This warranty applies to the original purchaser of the products who owns them at the original site of installation. Failure by the consumer to provide proof of purchase voids any claim made under this warranty.
  • What Does This Limited Warranty Cover? This limited warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship in your Gudino Custom Woodworking custom cabinetry under normal residential use and service.
  • What Will Gudino Custom Woodworking Do? Gudino Custom Woodworking will repair or replace any part or parts that are determined to be defective under normal home use and service.

Lifetime Limited Warranty

  • Effect on Implied Warranties Gudino Custom Woodworking makes no other warranties of any kind, either express or implied. All implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, are excluded from this transaction and do not apply to the goods sold unless the goods qualify as "consumer products" as defined by the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. Some states do not allow limitations on implied warranties, so these limitations may not apply to you.

What Is Not Covered Under This Warranty

  • Hairline Cracking Visible cracking at joints in painted face frames, doors, and other painted products is considered a natural characteristic of wood. Wood expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity and is not covered under this or any implied warranty.
  • Mellowing or Fading Natural mellowing, fading, or aging of wood products caused by photo-degradation, including exposure to natural or artificial light, is not covered.
  • Installation This warranty does not cover damage caused by improper handling or installation. Door and drawer alignment issues resulting from cabinets installed out of level, square, or plumb are not covered. This warranty does not include labor or costs associated with removal or reinstallation of any product.

What Will Void the Warranty

Products determined to have been neglected, abused, misused, or improperly maintained are not covered. Failure by the consumer to provide proof of purchase voids any claim made under this warranty.

  • Water Damage Damage caused by water exposure or the use of damp cloths on cabinetry is considered improper care and will void the warranty.
  • Neglected Chips & Scratches Failure to properly touch up chips or scratches is considered improper maintenance. Untreated damage may lead to future product failure and will void the warranty.
  • Product Modifications This warranty does not cover damage resulting from job-site modifications, disassembly, refinishing, or other alterations to the product.
  • Improper Storage Products stored in uncontrolled environments before or during installation are considered improper maintained and will void the warranty.
  • Appliance-Related Damage Damage caused by heat, steam, water, or other conditions related to appliance use is considered improper care and will void the warranty.

Product Warranty Exceptions

  • Electronic Components Electronic components, including lighting systems and electronic assist-opening devices, are covered by the implied limited warranty of the original supplier.
  • Specialty Finishes Certain specialty finishes may have limited coverage or exclusions. If applicable, your designer will be provided with a disclaimer.
  • Specialty Products Some outsourced specialty products and oversized items may not be covered under any implied warranty.

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